The Security Service of Ukraine detained a Russian citizen on suspicion of blowing up the stele with Ukrainian flag in downtown Kharkiv.

This was stated by adviser to the head of the SBU Markyian Lubkivskyi on his Facebook page, Censor.NET reports.

"Counterintelligence officers, together with colleagues from the Kharkiv region SBU detained the suspected organizer of the bombings in Kharkiv, including the explosion at the stele at Pravda avenue," he said.

"This is a Russian citizen, employee of "ministry of state security" of the self-proclaimed "Donetsk People's Republic", call-sign Tereza.

"It was established that in early 2014, she was an active participant of Kharkiv "Antimaidan" and pro-Russian protests.

"After the outbreak of hostilities in the Donbas Tereza went to Donetsk to take part in armed confrontation against Ukraine on the side of the "DPR".

"In February of this year, in coordination with department head of the "ministry of state security" call-sign Doc, the suspect arrived to Kharkiv to gather intelligence and coordinate of sabotage and reconnaissance groups.

"As a result of investigative actions an improvised explosive device, ammunition, anti-Ukrainian symbols were found at the Russian's place of temporary residence.

"SBU continues anti-terrorism measures to neutralize the subversive groups in the city of Kharkiv and the region, and searches for perpetrators who bombed the stele on Pravdy avenue," Lubkivskyi concluded.

On Tuesday, about 3:30 a.m. unknown persons tried to blow up a stele with a Ukrainian flag on Pravdy avenue in Kharkiv.

All materials published on this website that cite Interfax-Ukraine news agency as a source should not be further copied and/or redistributed in any other form without written consent by Interfax-Ukraine news agency.